With inflation continuing to surge in the UK, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a final cost of living payment of £299. This amount is a portion of the total £900 support payment which is being distributed in stages. The payment has been processed automatically from May to August of 2025 for the 8 million low income and vulnerable households.
Three-Stage Support Scheme
Assistance for cost of living was dispensed in three stages sequentially. The first payment of £301 was processed from May 2 to May 17, 2023. This was followed by the payment of £300 between the 31st of May and the 19th of June. This summer, we processed the final payment of £299. This marked the end of the DWP’s initiative and the final payment was processed in July 2025.
Payments were processed automatically and households did not need to apply for eligibility which was based on the Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support and Tax Credits. This ensured that households qualifying under those schemes automatically received funds and also reduced the burden of processing these funds.
Having Issues with Your Payment? Here’s Your Next Step
A few eligible individuals reported issues with delayed or missing funds. If you believe you are eligible but haven’t received the third instalment, you can report it using the UK Government’s missing payment portal. You will need your National Insurance number, date of birth, full name, and current address. The DWP usually handles these reports in about two weeks.
Be Careful of Scams, Only Use Official Channels
The DWP has asked the public to be on the lookout for unsolicited messages and help offers. If you are unsure, always check and https://www.gov.uk/ or call the DWP’s official helpline. Never give out banking or personal details on scrambled, unverified sites.
Next Steps: Other Support Schemes Available
The Government has extended other funds. A one-off payment of £140 from the House Support Fund will assist eligible residents of Middlesbrough. Other local councils across England are offering discretionary grants and funds of financial support—make sure to visit your local authority’s website for details on eligibility and the application process.
Final Takeaway
Although inflation continues to be an issue, recipients of the £900 cost of living assistance can transition into more sustainable support systems. Households are still able to report any unreceived payments and utilize local and national relief fundsss to manage finances until the economy improves.
